Merlin H. Schmidlkofer
Merlin H. “Schmeed” Schmidlkofer, age 91, of Chilton, died on Friday, November 9, 2018 at his home in Chilton. He was born May 9, 1927 in Chilton, son of the late Hubert & Salena (Schneider) Schmidlkofer.
Schmeed graduated from Chilton High School, class of 1945 and enlisted in the United States Navy in April of that same year. He was deployed to the Pacific Theater just as World War II came to a close. He was honorably discharged in 1946 and returned to Chilton where he reconnected with Phyllis Diedrich who he married on February 11, 1950 at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Chilton.
He was a member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church, formerly St. Augustine Parish and the VFW Branch #3153 in Chilton, for over 70 years where he devoted 60 years of his life honoring the lives of deceased veterans of our area through his involvement in the military detail providing military honors in Calumet County. He was also a member of the Chilton AC’s and did everything he could to support their endeavor to bring quality sports competition to this area and did so with a great amount of pride.
Schmeed was employed through GTE following his discharge where he worked as a lineman and installer until his retirement in 1988. Although he never shied away from work, Schmeed was the master at finding the most effective path of least resistance whenever a particular project was placed in front of him.
Throughout his entire life, Schmeed appreciated all Wisconsin sports, continually following the Badgers, Packers, Bucks and his beloved Milwaukee Brewers, but he was especially fond of following his grandchildren in their particular sporting events and extracurricular activities.
Schmeed also cherished moments with his wife Phyllis at casinos where they would play Bingo or try their hand at video poker. Whenever his life allowed him, Schmeed would jump at the chance to take a bus ride with some of his closest friends to play at casinos throughout the state and Upper Michigan.
Survivors include his children: Tom (Helen) Schmidlkofer, Mike (Kathy) Schmidlkofer, Sue Schmidlkofer; and 5 grandchildren: Kim Schmidlkofer, Lynn Schmidlkofer, Eric Schmidlkofer, Emily (Dave) Mayer, Nick Schmidlkofer. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Schmeed was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; Phyllis; and a sisters: Ruby (Jim) Boehnlein.
Funeral service will be at 11:30 am on Tuesday, November 13, 2018 at Good Shepherd Catholic Church (54 E. Main St.) in Chilton with Rev. Ryan Krueger officiating. Burial will be in the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Chilton. Friends may call at the Wieting Family Funeral Home (411 W. Main St.) in Chilton from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Monday, November 12, 2018 and on Tuesday at the funeral home from 9:30 am until 11:00 am. A prayer service will be held Monday evening at the funeral home at the close of visitation.
Schmeed’s family would like to thank the entire staff of the Calumet Home Care and Hospice for the care that was shown to Merle and his entire family.
A memorial fund has been established in the name of Merlin H. “Schmeed” Schmidlkofer benefiting VFW Post #3153.